Rotherham United boss Paul Warne eyes signing ahead of first game

The stocks are bare in the Millers’ engine room with only Will Vaulks and Matty Palmer as recognised senior centre midfielders.

Warne has been trying to sign at least one more all summer after influential loanee Richie Towell returned to Brighton. The Millers were working hard to try and get a deal done for Towell, but it has seemingly gone quiet on that front.

A deal for Towell would be an initial loan with a view to buy, but wages are a stumbling block for the prudent Millers.

League One Portsmouth are also interested in landing the player to help their bid for promotion but the Millers are in the driving seat due to playing Championship football.

Warne has confirmed the Millers have upped their bid for an unnamed player as he looks to get someone in before Saturday’s trip to Brentford.

And Warne said: “I’m pleased with what I have here but you always want more.

“With the window how it is you can think your squad is okay now but obviously you have to plan for the worst case scenario.

“I have a problem to solve in the centre of midfield with only two central midfielders. That is something that I, and the recruitment team, are trying to deal with.

“If I start with Will Vaulks and Matty Palmer, it’s not that I’m trying to replace them, I need someone to come in and help them.

“We have Ben Wiles who is improving but it is a big ask for him to make his league bow away at Brentford in the Championship.

“Ideally we would like someone in the building for the weekend but if it’s not meant to be with our targets then we will expand our search.”

Meanwhile, the Millers are expected to let a handful of fringe players go out on loan towards the end of the window.

Warne is wary about having an overly large squad and the inability to give them all adequate game time this season.